Press Releases from 2014http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014
Department of Commerce NewsenU.S. And Chinese Delegations Conclude 25th Session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Tradehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/18/us-and-chinese-delegations-conclude-25th-session-us-china-joint-commi
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Thursday, December 18, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><strong></strong><em>Agreement
reached in several areas of importance to U.S. farmers, innovators,
manufacturers and workers</em></p><p>U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael
Froman today hosted a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Wang Yang for the
25th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT),
which took place in Chicago. At the conclusion of the discussions, the United
States announced key outcomes in the areas of agricultural market access,
intellectual property rights protection, innovation policies, and competition
law enforcement.</p>
<p><strong>Specific
outcomes of today’s meetings are described below. &nbsp;For <a href="/news/fact-sheets/2014/12/19/fact-sheet-25th-us-china-joint-commission-commerce-and-trade" target="_blank">further information on outcomes from the
meetings, click here</a>. </strong></p>
<p>Today’s
negotiations followed a full day of events designed to facilitate private
sector engagement with officials from the U.S. and China in a reinvigorated
JCCT. Yesterday’s program included a roundtable discussion on bilateral
investment hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Paulson Institute; a
luncheon to celebrate the Gateway Cities partnership hosted by World Business
Chicago; a cooperative travel and tourism program hosted by the U.S. Travel
Association; and a discussion on developing a shared vision of economic
leadership hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. </p>
<p>U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus
also participated in this year’s JCCT. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>“The
JCCT is the time and place for the U.S. and China to address issues of mutual
concern so we can get more business done between our two countries,” said U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “While we enjoy a robust trade
relationship with China – our exports were $161 billion in 2013 – there is more
we can do to facilitate greater cooperation between our governments and our
private sectors. This year we sought to ‘reimagine’ the JCCT to engage
businesses from both countries in a dialogue about how to strengthen the trade
and investment relationship between the world’s two largest economies, and we
made significant progress.” </p>
<p>“This
year’s JCCT produced concrete results. We achieved progress on tough issues
that American exporters face in our largest export market outside North
America,” said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. “The benefits will be
felt around the country, in our agricultural heartland, in high-tech from
medicines to semiconductors, in the creative industries, and in many other
sectors that support good-paying jobs across our economy.” </p>
<p>“The
vice ministerial-level Strategic Agricultural Innovation Dialogue that we
agreed to will begin early next year with multiple Chinese ministries,” said
Secretary Vilsack. “These discussions will showcase U.S. innovation and create
new economic opportunities in a wide range of agricultural industries, while
addressing food security, climate change and environmental protection.”</p>
<p>The
JCCT holds high-level plenary meetings on an annual basis to review progress
made by 16 working groups that meet throughout the year to focus on a wide
variety of trade and investment issues. These working groups address topics
such as intellectual property rights, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical
devices, information technology, tourism, commercial law, environment and
statistics. </p>
<p>Established
in 1983, the JCCT is the primary forum for addressing bilateral trade and
investment issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United
States and China. The 2013 JCCT meeting was held in Beijing. </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Overview
of JCCT Discussions</span></strong></p>
<p>Through
sustained engagement over the course of this past year, the United States and
China have reached agreement in several areas of key importance to U.S.
farmers, innovators, manufacturers and workers, including in the following
areas: </p>
<ul><li><em>Agriculture market access</em>:&nbsp;
China has made commitments that should promote significant increases in U.S.
exports of soybeans, corn and dairy products to China.&nbsp; Specifically,
China announced that it would approve the importation of new biotechnology
varieties of U.S. soybeans and corn ­– current annual U.S. exports of soybeans
and corn to China total $14 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively – and also
that it would pursue a regular dialogue with the United States focused on the
benefits of the increased use of innovative technologies in agriculture, for
both the United States and China. China also agreed to strong IP protections
for products that use trademarks or common names like "parmesan" or
"feta" cheese, which in recent years have begun to demonstrate a
potential for rapid export growth vis-à-vis China. </li></ul>
<ul><li><em>IPR protection</em>:&nbsp;
China's IPR-related commitments cover a range of needed improvements, which
should benefit U.S. businesses in a wide variety of industries that rely on the
ability to protect their trade secrets, as well as U.S. holders of patents,
trademarks and copyrights. For example, in the area of trade secrets, building
on prior bilateral commitments made by China, the United States has gained
China’s agreement to take specific additional steps to protect companies’ trade
secrets and to work on a new trade secrets law to further enhance their
protections.&nbsp; The United States also has secured China’s agreement to,
among other things, bring new focus to the two countries’ work together to
determine how best to foster a better environment for facilitating increased
sales of legitimate intellectual property-intensive goods and services in
China. </li></ul>
<ul><li><em>Innovation policies</em>:&nbsp;
The United States continued to pursue changes to Chinese policies and practices
that have pressured foreign companies to transfer valuable intellectual
property rights to enterprises in China.&nbsp; For example, China committed to
ensure that they treat foreign IP rights the same as domestic IP rights.&nbsp;
China also has agreed to streamline China’s regulatory processes and cut red
tape for imports of new, innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices, which
should lead to increases in U.S. exports and U.S. jobs in these two important
sectors.&nbsp; Indeed, according to industry data, the U.S. pharmaceuticals
industry directly employs more than 810,000 workers and supports a total of 3.4
million jobs in the United States, while annual exports of U.S. pharmaceutical
products to China have exceeded $1.2 billion.&nbsp; The U.S. medical device
industry, meanwhile, includes over 7,000 companies, most with less than 100
employees, supports 1.9 million U.S. jobs overall, and was responsible for $2.7
billion in exports to China in 2013.&nbsp; </li></ul>
<ul><li><em>Competition policy enforcement</em>:&nbsp;
The United States was able to address a significant concern for many foreign
companies, which have expressed serious concern about insufficient
predictability, fairness and transparency in the investigative processes of
China’s Anti-Monopoly Law enforcement.&nbsp; The Chinese side agreed that,
under normal circumstances, a foreign company in an Anti-Monopoly Law
investigation would be permitted to have counsel present and to consult with
them during proceedings.&nbsp; China also made several additional commitments,
including to treat domestic and foreign companies equally and to provide
increased transparency for investigated companies.</li></ul>
<p>The
United States and China also held a strategic economic discussion of excess
capacity – from steel to solar panels, its causes and costs, and strategies for
dealing with it. </p>Press ReleasesJCCTJCCT signing agreementsU.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and TradeOffice of the SecretarySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerFri, 19 Dec 2014 01:55:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17351 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Confirmation of Marcus D. Jadotte as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysishttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/18/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-confirmation-marcus-d-
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Thursday, December 18, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today issued the following
statement on the confirmation of Marcus D. Jadotte as Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Industry and Analysis in the U.S. Commerce Department’s
International Trade Administration (ITA).&nbsp;</p>
<p>“I am very pleased
that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Marcus Jadotte as Assistant Secretary for
Industry and Analysis at the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade
Administration (ITA). ITA has a crucial mission to improve the global business
environment and help U.S. companies compete abroad. In his new role as
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, Marcus will lead
efforts to promote travel and tourism, manufacturing, and trade promotion
issues affecting U.S. industry competitiveness, all key Commerce Department
priorities.</p>
<p>Having
worked with Marcus, I am confident in his ability to lead this important office
and that his private sector experience will be invaluable to the Department as
we work to promote trade and investment and help U.S. companies compete both at
home and abroad.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Prior
to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce, Marcus spent nearly nine years at
NASCAR helping the organization with its diversity and multicultural
development initiatives. Among his many accomplishments, Marcus led the
development of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) and NASCAR Pit Crew
Development, two programs focused on preparing and training minorities and
females for roles as drivers, crew chiefs and other positions in the sport.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;I
look forward to working with Marcus in his new role and am delighted to have
him as part of our international trade team.”</p>Press ReleasesAssistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and AnalysisMarcus D. JadotteNASCARInternational Trade AdministrationThu, 18 Dec 2014 16:42:20 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17344 at http://www.commerce.govDepartment of Commerce: International Visitors Spend $18.5 Billion in October 2014http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/17/department-commerce-international-visitors-spend-185-billion-october-
<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Wednesday, December 17, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>International visitors inject more than
$597million a day into U.S. economy in October</em></p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that international visitors
spent $18.5 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the
United States in October, an increase of nearly 3 percent when compared to
October 2013. </p>
<p>“Today’s
data demonstrates that
we are well on our way to achieving another record-setting year for
travel and tourism exports, and that the United States is likely to see more
than $222 billion in annual international visitor spending for the very first
time,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Increased travel and tourism is a critical
tool for economic growth and job creation in the United States, which is why
President Obama created the first-ever national strategy to attract more
international visitors to our country. We will continue to focus on the growth
potential of this sector and on achieving the President’s goal of welcoming 100
million international visitors and the estimated $250 billion they will spend
per year by the end of 2021.”
&nbsp;</p>
<p>International
visitors have spent $185.1 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and
services in 2014 (January through October), an increase of 4 percent when
compared to the same period last year. Americans have spent an estimated $121.4
billion abroad, resulting in a balance of trade surplus nearly $64 billion year
to date.</p>
<ul><li><em>Travel Receipts</em>: Purchases of travel and
tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the
United States totaled $11.5 billion during October, an slight increase when
compared to last year. These goods and services include food, lodging,
recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States,
and other items incidental to foreign travel. Travel receipts accounted for 62
percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports for October.</li></ul>
<ul><li><em>Passenger Fare Receipts</em>: Fares received by U.S. carriers
from international visitors totaled $3.7 billion for the month, an increase of
nearly 6 percent when compared to October 2013. Passenger fare receipts
accounted for 20 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports for October.</li></ul>
<ul><li><em>Medical/Education/Short-Term
Worker:</em>
Expenditures for educational and health-related tourism, along with all
expenditures by border, seasonal, and other short-term workers, totaled more
than $3.4 billion in October, an increase of nearly 7 percent when compared to
the same period last year. Medical tourism, education, and short-term worker
receipts accounted for 18 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports
during October.</li></ul>
<p>&nbsp;<em>NTTO is responsible
for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating international travel and tourism
statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. For more monthly
travel and tourism-related trade data, please visit:</em><em> </em><a href="http://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/Monthly_Exports_Imports_Balance.xlsx"><em>http://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/Monthly_Exports_Imports_Balance.xlsx</em></a></p>Press ReleasesTravel and tourismInternational Trade AdministrationOffice of the SecretarySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerThu, 18 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17342 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on Passage of Bipartisan Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation Acthttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/17/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-passage-bipartisan-rev
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Thursday, December 11, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today issued a statement following the passage of the Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation (RAMI) Act - bipartisan legislation to create a new National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).&nbsp;</p><div>“I applaud Congress for passing the Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation (RAMI) Act as part of the Omnibus spending bill, particularly its bipartisan cosponsors, Senators Brown and Blunt and Representatives Reed and Kennedy, as well as Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Mikulski and Chairman Rogers. This legislation authorizes the establishment of a network of up to 15 regional institutes across the country, each focused on a unique technology, material or process relevant to advanced manufacturing. The RAMI Act will also encourage partnership and regional collaboration between communities, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and needed supply chains in order to bring ideas from the lab to market more quickly.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>NNMI will help keep America on the front-lines of discovery and keep our businesses, our manufacturers, and our economy globally competitive in the 21st century economy. It has&nbsp;the potential to accelerate U.S. manufacturing innovation by harnessing the collective power of our world-class universities and businesses.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The&nbsp;Commerce Department is committed to supporting this kind of American innovation that creates new growth industries, jobs and strengthens our economy.”&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>A strong manufacturing sector is critical to our intellectual and innovative capacity, and collaborative research between America’s leading manufacturers is essential to keeping our high-tech industries right here in the United States. Manufacturing creates good jobs and has the largest multiplier effect of any part of the economy, with workers earning 17 percent more than similar workers employed in other sectors. Since the end of the recession, the manufacturing sector has created more than 700,000 jobs, and currently supports more than 16 million U.S. jobs in its supply chains.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Following the launch of a successful NNMI pilot institute focused on additive manufacturing in Youngstown, Ohio in 2012, President Obama&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/05/09/obama-administration-launches-competition-three-new-manufacturing-innova" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the selection of three new pilot institutes – in North Carolina, Chicago and Detroit – in the areas of digital, electronics, and modern metals manufacturing in early 2014. At the same time, President Obama announced a new competition for the next manufacturing innovation institute, focused on composites materials and structures. This is the first of four additional institutes the President committed to launching in his 2014 State of the Union address.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>President Obama recently&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/11/fact-sheet-president-obama-launches-competitions-new-manufacturing-innov" target="_blank">launched</a>&nbsp;two new competitions for manufacturing and innovation institutes, one in smart manufacturing at the Department of Energy, and one in flexible hybrid electronics at the Department of Defense. This announcement fulfills the Administration's pledge to launch four new institutes this year, for a total of eight institutes launched so far. These institutes are critical to ensuring the United States maintains its position as a global leader in manufacturing and innovation.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The Department of Commerce is committed to the President’s vision of creating a full national network of up to 45 manufacturing institutes over the next 10 years, and the passage of this legislation is critical to realizing that vision. Support for this network of industry-driven commercialization hubs will help strengthen U.S. innovation and competitiveness, two key priorities of the Commerce Department’s “<a href="/news/fact-sheets/2013/11/14/fact-sheet-us-department-commerce-open-business-agenda" target="_blank">Open for Business Agenda</a>.”&nbsp;</div>Press ReleasesNational Network for Manufacturing InnovationNNMIOpen for Business AgendaRAMI ActRevitalize American Manufacturing Innovation (RAMI) ActEconomic Development AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerWed, 17 Dec 2014 23:50:23 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17341 at http://www.commerce.govDeclaraciones de la Secretaria de Comercio de Estados Unidos Penny Pritzker Sobre el Anuncio del Presidente Obama con Respecto a Cuba http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/17/declaraciones-de-la-secretaria-de-comercio-de-estados-unidos-penny-pr
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>PARA
PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA</strong><br />Miércoles,
17 de diciembre, 2014<br /><strong>Contacto
para los medios de prensa:</strong><br />Oficina
de Asuntos Públicos, 202-482-4883</p><p>La secretaria de Comercio
de Estados Unidos Penny&nbsp;Pritzker dio a conocer hoy sus declaraciones sobre
las medidas anunciadas por el Presidente Obama con respecto a Cuba.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Estas históricas medidas
por el Presidente trazan un nuevo curso para la relación de nuestro país con
Cuba y su pueblo. Mejorará la vida de millones y ayudará a promover reformas
económicas y políticas que son necesarias desde hace tiempo en todo el país. La
expansión de la interacción económica entre el pueblo cubano y la comunidad
empresarial de Estados Unidos será un potente catalizador que afianzará los
derechos humanos y el imperio de la ley.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Desde los primeros días del
periodo del Presidente Obama, su gobierno ha tomado medidas para mejorar la
vida del pueblo cubano al disminuir las restricciones con respecto a viajes de
familiares y remesas de dinero. No obstante, el hecho es que la política de
Estados Unidos hacia Cuba en gran parte estuvo paralizada por más de
54&nbsp;años; esto es, toda mi vida. Nuestras medidas políticas aislaron a Cuba
de Estados Unidos y no lograron promover un país más próspero, libre y
democrático. Las medidas de hoy por el Presidente representan un paso
contundente hacia una mayor conexión humana y actividad empresarial. &nbsp;</p>
<p>El Presidente Obama y yo
creemos firmemente en el poder de la diplomacia comercial para cambiar vidas y
economías para mejor.&nbsp;Estamos poniendo a prueba esta convicción en
Cuba.&nbsp;Todos merecen la oportunidad de aumentar la prosperidad propia y la
de su familia y, con ese fin, estoy deseosa de visitar Cuba&nbsp;para encabezar
nuestros esfuerzos por ampliar nuestra diplomacia comercial como parte del plan
del Presidente a fin de promover cambios positivos en Cuba.”</p>Press ReleasesCubaSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerWed, 17 Dec 2014 17:22:56 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17339 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on President Obama's Announcement on Cuba http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/17/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-president-obamas-annou
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Wednesday, December 17, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Penny&nbsp;Pritzker today issued a&nbsp;statement on the
actions President Obama announced on Cuba.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“These historic actions
by the President chart a new course for our country's relationship with Cuba
and its people.&nbsp;It will improve the lives of millions and will help spur
long overdue economic and political reform across the country.&nbsp;Expanding
economic engagement between the Cuban people and the American business
community will be a powerful catalyst that will strengthen human rights and the
rule of law.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Since President Obama’s
first days in office, his administration has taken steps to improve the lives
of the Cuban people by easing restrictions on family travel and
remittances.&nbsp;Nevertheless, the reality is that America’s policy toward
Cuba has largely been frozen in time for more than 54&nbsp;years – which is my
entire life. Our policies have isolated Cuba from the United States, and they
have failed to foster a more prosperous, free and democratic nation. Today’s
action by the President represents a powerful step forward to increase human
connection and entrepreneurial activity. &nbsp;</p>
<p>President Obama and I
believe deeply in the power of commercial diplomacy to change&nbsp;lives and
economies for the better.&nbsp;We are putting this belief to the test in
Cuba.&nbsp;Everyone deserves an opportunity to increase prosperity for
themselves and their families, and to that end,&nbsp;I look forward to visiting
Cuba&nbsp;to lead our efforts to expand our commercial diplomacy as part of the
President’s initiative to encourage positive change in Cuba.”​</p>Press ReleasesCubaSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerWed, 17 Dec 2014 17:18:41 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17338 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Applauds President’s Export Council Efforts to Advance U.S. Economy Through Trade and Exportshttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/11/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-applauds-president%E2%80%99s-export-coun
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Thursday, December 11, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>PEC also
presents report on recent commercial diplomacy fact-finding mission to Poland
and Turkey</em></p><p>U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today joined President Obama to hear <a href="http://trade.gov/pec/docs/PEC_Midterm_Report.pdf">recommendations from
the President’s Export Council</a> (PEC) on policies that will increase U.S.
economic growth through international commerce. The PEC also presented a <a href="http://trade.gov/pec/docs/PEC_Trip_Report.pdf">report on its recent
commercial diplomacy fact-finding mission</a> to Poland and Turkey that
Secretary Pritzker co-led with PEC Vice Chair and Xerox CEO Ursula Burns
earlier this fall.</p>
<p>“The
President’s Export Council is an example of an effective partnership between
the government and the private sector that provides the President with valuable
expertise and insight on the challenges facing U.S. companies doing business
abroad,” <a href="/news/secretary-speeches/2014/12/11/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-meeting-pre">said
Secretary Pritzker</a>. “In addition to what we can do as government officials,
America’s business leaders have an important role to play in strengthening our
commercial ties globally and improving the business climate abroad. We call
this commercial diplomacy. Together, we are working to open more overseas
markets to U.S. firms so they can sell more ‘Made-in-America’ goods and
services to the 95 percent of consumers who live outside our borders, which
leads to job creation and economic growth at home.”</p>
<p><strong>The
Council issued its <em><a href="http://trade.gov/pec/docs/PEC_Midterm_Report.pdf">Mid-Term
Report</a></em> that highlighted a number of substantive recommendations in the
following areas:</strong></p>
<ul><li><strong><em>Global Competitiveness</em></strong><ul><li>The Council
prioritizes trade policy and encourages prompt completion of Trade Promotion
Authority, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership, the Trade in Services Agreement, and the U.S.-China
Bilateral Investment Treaty.</li></ul></li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Manufacturing, Services, and Agriculture</em></strong><ul><li>Upgrading
the nation’s aging infrastructure network would expand long-term productive
capacity and reduce the all-in cost of U.S. goods and services, making American
products more competitive globally.</li><li>The
Administration should continue efforts to encourage and facilitate travel to
the United States by international travelers.&nbsp;
</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><strong><em>Small and Medium-Sized Business Engagement</em></strong><ul><li>Federal
trade tools, promotion programs, and resources, including access to capital,
should be catered to the unique needs of small-and-medium sized enterprises.</li></ul></li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Export Promotion and Advocacy</em></strong><ul><li>The Council also
strongly recommends a multi-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and progress on initiatives
aimed at enhancing North American competitiveness.&nbsp;
</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><strong><em>Workforce Readiness</em></strong><ul><li>Bolder
steps must be taken to meet the Administration’s own goal of increasing the
number of STEM graduates by one million in 2022.</li></ul></li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Export Administration</em></strong><ul><li>The
Council encourages additional efforts to strengthen and streamline further
controlled trade with our allies and partners. </li></ul></li></ul>
<p>The
PEC embodies a public-private model for driving policies to facilitate and
promote long-term economic growth, welfare, and development.&nbsp; As America’s
chief commercial advocate, Secretary Pritzker co-led a delegation of seven CEOs
from Council member companies with Council Vice Chair Ursula Burns on <a href="/news/press-releases/2014/10/03/final-readout-secretary-pritzker%E2%80%99s-commercial-diplomacy-mission-polan">a fact-finding
mission to Poland and Turkey</a>. The delegation, which included other
senior Obama administration officials, met with public and private sector
representatives in both countries to explore opportunities to expand bilateral
commercial ties with these important trading partners. </p>
<p>In
<a href="http://trade.gov/pec/docs/PEC_Trip_Report.pdf">its trip report</a>,
the Council emphasized the importance of commercial diplomacy and that dialogue
and cooperation between industry and government are keys to achieving the
mutually reinforcing objectives of stronger partnerships, enhanced trade
relationships, and increased U.S. exports. The report also noted four key
themes to focus on for future engagement with each country:</p>
<ul><li><strong><em>Innovation and Entrepreneurship</em></strong> – undertake
efforts to promote the development of innovative and entrepreneurial cultures
in Poland and Turkey</li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Information Sharing – </em></strong>increase
information sharing between business and governments of both countries<strong><em> <br /></em></strong></li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Governance – </em></strong>strengthen the rule of law where
applicable, increase regulatory transparency, and reduce bottlenecks to trade
in goods and services </li></ul>
<ul><li><strong><em>Energy Sector Development </em></strong>– support
efforts to diversify energy sources in Poland and Turkey</li></ul>
<p>The
PEC serves as the principal national advisory committee on international
trade.&nbsp; The Council advises the President of government policies and
programs that affect U.S. trade performance; promotes export expansion; and
provides a forum for discussing and resolving trade-related problems among the
business, industrial, agricultural, labor, and government sectors.</p>Press ReleasesPresident's Export CouncilOffice of the SecretarySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerThu, 11 Dec 2014 23:00:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17318 at http://www.commerce.govDeadline Approaching: Credential for 25th Session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Tradehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/11/deadline-approaching-credential-25th-session-us-china-joint-commissio
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced the schedule of events for the 25<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which will take place from December 16-18, in Chicago. Secretary Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host a high-level Government of China delegation, and for the first time,&nbsp;the JCCT schedule includes a full day of events designed to facilitate private sector engagement with officials from the U.S. and Chinese governments. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will also participate. The goal of this enhanced program is to expand the scope of the JCCT with engagement between businesses from both countries.&nbsp;</p><div>The program will include a roundtable discussion on bilateral investment hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Paulson Institute; a luncheon to celebrate the Gateway Cities partnership hosted by World Business Chicago; a cooperative travel and tourism program hosted by the U.S. Travel Association; and a discussion on developing a shared vision of economic leadership hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs that will include remarks from Secretary Penny Pritzker, Ambassador Michael Froman, and Vice Premier Wang Yang.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Established in 1983, the JCCT is the primary forum for addressing bilateral trade and investment issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. High-level plenary meetings are held annually and are co-chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, and the Chinese Vice Premier in charge of trade and investment issues. Sixteen JCCT Working Groups meet throughout the year to address topics such as intellectual property rights, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, information technology, and travel and tourism.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Media who wish to attend must register by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, December 12.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Secretary Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Froman announced the following open to press events:</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wednesday, December 17</span></div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Investment Luncheon Program - Open Press</div><div>Hosted by:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mayor Rahm Emanuel</div><div>Organizer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; World Business Chicago</div><div>Location:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 300 E. Randolph Street, 30<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;Floor</div><div>For Press Registration and Credentialing, please e-mail World Business Chicago at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/WTNations/worldbusinesschicago/com target="_blank">WTNations[at]worldbusinesschicago[dot]com</a></div><div>Note: On-site press registration will open at 10:30 a.m.; with press set up required by 11 a.m.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m: &nbsp;U.S.-China: A Shared Vision of Global Economic Partnership</div><div>Hosted by: &nbsp;The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, World Business Chicago</div><div>Location: &nbsp; &nbsp; Palmer Hilton House</div><div>Keynote Remarks, Open Press</div><div>For Press Registration and Credentialing, please contact Betsy Hushek at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/bhushek/thechicagocouncil/org target="_blank">bhushek[at]thechicagocouncil[dot]org</a></div><div>Note: On-site press registration will open at 3 p.m.; with press set up required by 3:30 p.m.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, December 18</span></div><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></strong></div><div>9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.: &nbsp;JCCT Plenary Session Opening Remarks - Open Press</div><div>Note: Press Credential Pick-up will open at 7 a.m.; press equipment set up required by 8 a.m., with all press in place no later than 8:30 a.m. for the opening remarks.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.: JCCT Press Conference - Open Press</div><div>Location: Gleacher Center</div><div>University of Chicago Booth School of Business</div><div>450 N Cityfront Plaza Drive</div><div>Chicago, IL 60611</div><div>Note: Access to the press conference room opens at 3 p.m.; all press must be in place no later than 3:30 p.m.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Registration is required by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, December 12. All press must be registered, confirmed, and credentialed for any open press events. Media that is not registered by the deadline will not be allowed.&nbsp;Registered and confirmed press must bring confirmation email and credentials to all events.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>To register for the Investment Luncheon Program organized by World Business Chicago, please contact&nbsp;<a href=/contact/WTNations/worldbusinesschicago/com target="_blank">WTNations[at]worldbusinesschicago[dot]com</a>. To register for the U.S.-China: A Shared Vision of Economic Leadership hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, please contact&nbsp;<a href=/contact/bhushek/thechicagocouncil/org target="_blank">bhushek[at]thechicagocouncil[dot]org</a>. To register for all other JCCT events open to the press, please contact Lorri Crowley at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/lorri.crowley/trade/gov target="_blank">lorri.crowley[at]trade[dot]gov</a></div>Press ReleasesJCCTJoint Commission on Commerce and TradeU.S. Trade Representative Michael FromanInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerThu, 11 Dec 2014 15:24:38 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17310 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on International Anti-Corruption Day http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/09/statement-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-international-anti-cor
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Tuesday, December 9, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today issued the following statement on International Anti-Corruption Day.&nbsp;</p><div>“On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, I want to take a moment to underscore the importance to me and to the Commerce Department of combating transnational bribery and corruption for both U.S. businesses and global economic growth.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“As Commerce Secretary, I talk to business leaders every day about the challenges they face when operating abroad. And as someone who spent 27 years in the private sector, I understand the conditions that are required to run a business or make an investment.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“Make no mistake: bribery and corruption are trade barriers that hinder investment and drag down economic growth.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“Bribery and corruption are costly, not only to businesses, but also to host countries, robbing millions of hardworking citizens of the gains of economic development. The World Bank estimates that bribery costs the global economy $1 trillion dollars a year. This unnecessary burden amounts to a tax on global GDP where revenues go to corrupt officials rather than projects and services to benefit a country’s citizens.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“Businesses considering investments abroad look for environments that are transparent and governed by the rule of law. I have traveled widely on commercial diplomacy missions where I talk about the importance of transparency and rule of law both as a means to create a favorable investment climate for U.S. businesses and for host countries to retain public income for development and economic growth.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“The battle against corruption is one where the private sector and public leaders from around the world are aligned, and we stand with our partners in the fight. President Obama and the U.S. Government continue to drive a robust agenda to stem corruption and hold accountable&nbsp;those who exploit the public trust for private gain.&nbsp;President Obama and other APEC Leaders recently adopted APEC Principles on the Prevention of Bribery and Enforcement of Anti-Bribery Laws, and APEC General Elements of Effective Voluntary Corporate Compliance Programs. We and the other members of the G20 in the most recent G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan commit to lead by example in combating bribery and to helping to end impunity for corruption offenses consistent with our obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on asset recovery and international cooperation. Finally, we are also working shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the OECD Working Group on Bribery to ensure full implementation of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and strong enforcement of foreign bribery laws, which has had a significant impact in the fight against global corruption.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“Unfortunately, corruption is an elusive foe, and there is still much work to be done.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“On this International Anticorruption Day, we commit to redouble our own efforts and to work with our trading partners, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen our combined resolve in combating corruption. Together, let’s continue to work toward a global economy where businesses can compete on a level playing field with each other, based on the merits of their goods and services, without corruption as a trade barrier.”</div>Press ReleasesAnti-CorruptionAPECInternational Anti-Corruption DaySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerTue, 09 Dec 2014 17:14:24 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17298 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz Announce Business Development Mission to Chinahttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/08/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-and-us-secretary-energy-ernest-m
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Monday, December 8, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>Joint Trade
Mission will Focus on Promoting Clean Energy Technologies&nbsp;</em></p>
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest
Moniz today announced that they will lead a Business Development Mission to
China in April 2015, focused on industries supporting Smart Cities and Smart
Growth. The trade mission will help U.S. companies launch or increase their
business in China in areas such as green buildings, building energy
retrofitting, building management, green data centers, carbon capture
utilization and storage, energy efficiency technologies, clean air and water technologies,
waste treatment technologies, smart grid and green transportation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This
mission is one of several efforts underway that will help strengthen and expand
U.S.-China clean energy cooperation following the joint announcement made by
President Obama and President Xi on November 12 in Beijing on the two
countries’ post-2020 climate targets. China is the world’s largest energy
consumer and the leading emitter of greenhouse gases, and this mission will
help China meet its stated goal of peaking CO<sub>2</sub> emissions around
2030, and increasing their non-fossil fuel share of all energy to around 20
percent by 2030.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“As
the country’s Chief Commercial Advocate, a key part of my job is helping U.S.
companies connect with business opportunities around the world, and China’s
energy sector holds huge potential for U.S. firms,” said Secretary Pritzker.
“China will continue to have tremendous energy needs as the country urbanizes
and grows its middle class, and American companies have the expertise necessary
to serve as partners in building clean and efficient infrastructure. I am
thrilled that Secretary of Energy Moniz will be joining me on this mission to
represent the best of what the U.S. has to offer when it comes to world-class
businesses and unparalleled know-how in clean technology.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>This
will be Secretary Pritzker’s fifth trade mission since taking office in June
2013, and her first joint trade mission with a fellow cabinet secretary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“As
the two largest economies, energy consumers, and carbon emitters, the United
States and China must advance affordable clean energy, while simultaneously
mitigating the long-term threat of climate change,” said Secretary Moniz. “This
mission will deepen our cooperation to promote a low-carbon economy by
expanding U.S. company exports in China and helping to facilitate their
involvement in Smart City planning and deployment of cutting-edge clean energy
technologies.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>U.S.
goods exports in 2013 to China were $121.7 billion, up 10.2 percent from the
previous year. Corresponding U.S. imports from China were $440.4 billion, up
3.5 percent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The
Business Development Mission delegation will be composed of senior executives from
20-25 U.S. firms, representing the mission’s target sectors supporting Smart
Cities and Smart Growth. This collaborative interagency approach with the
Department of Energy highlights the shared interest among U.S. Government
agencies in promoting China as a critical overseas market, and helping American
businesses of all sizes sell their goods and services overseas. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Businesses
interested in participating in this trade mission should complete an online
application at the China mission website at <a href="http://www.export.gov/ChinaMission2015/" target="_blank">http://www.export.gov/ChinaMission2015</a>. For more
information, you can contact the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Business
Liaison at (202) 482-1360 or <a href=/contact/BusinessLiaison/doc/gov>BusinessLiaison[at]doc[dot]gov</a>.</p>
<p>The
application deadline for the trade mission is Friday, January 23, 2015.</p>Press ReleasesClean Energy TechnologyU.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest MonizU.S.-China clean energy cooperationInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerMon, 08 Dec 2014 15:39:58 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17289 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on November Jobs Numbershttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/05/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-november-jobs-numbers
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Friday, December 5, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today released
the following statement on the November jobs report which showed that U.S.
employment rose by 321,000 last month.</p>
<p>“Today’s job numbers are great news for the American
people, and proof that efforts to get the economy back on track are working,”
said Secretary Pritzker. “We have now added more jobs in 2014 than in any full
calendar year since the 1990s, and we are seeing positive trends across all
sectors of our economy, from employment to exports to housing.</p>
<p>We are working every day to build on this strong momentum
and create sustainable growth for the American people, and we need the help of
Congress to get some big things done. President Obama and this Administration
are committed to action on critical issues like immigration reform, tax reform,
trade and investment, workforce development, and infrastructure that will lift
incomes and create greater opportunity and prosperity for all Americans. The
time to move forward is now.”</p>Press ReleasesJobsOffice of the SecretarySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerFri, 05 Dec 2014 20:20:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17288 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on International Trade in Goods and Services in October 2014http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/05/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-international-trade-go
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Friday, December 5, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker
issued the following statement today on the release of the October 2014 U.S.
International Trade in Goods and Services data. U.S. exports of goods and
services increased to $197.5 billion in October from $195.2 billion in
September. Record monthly levels were reached in exports of non-petroleum
goods, including a record in capital goods, as well as in charges for the use
of intellectual property. The goods and
services deficit decreased by $0.2 billion to $43.4 billion in October.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Today’s data shows that American goods and services are in
high demand around the world, which is great news for our businesses, job
creation and the American people,” said Secretary Pritzker. “U.S. exports
already support 11.3 million jobs, and increasing our exports is critical to
this Administration’s efforts to create more jobs, promote sustainable growth,
and strengthen the middle class. In order to sell more American goods and
services to the 95 percent of consumers who live outside the United States,
America must continue leading the world in negotiating high-standard trade
agreements that give our exporters access to billions of customers beyond our
borders.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>In
May, <a href="/news/press-releases/2014/05/13/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-announces-next-phase-national--0">Secretary Pritzker launched NEI/NEXT </a>to help more U.S. companies begin exporting and to assist companies already
exporting increase sales to more overseas markets. The NEI/NEXT strategy
focuses on improving data, providing information on specific export
opportunities, working more closely with financing organizations and service
providers, and partnering with states and communities to empower local export
efforts.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.trade.gov/neinext/factsheet.asp">NEI/NEXT </a>builds on the success of the National Export
Initiative (NEI) announced by President Obama in 2010. Since the launch of the
NEI, a record number of U.S. companies have exported annually, and the United
States has seen an increase of 1.6 million export-supported jobs since 2009.
U.S. goods and services exports have hit record highs four years in a row,
reaching $2.3 trillion in 2013.&nbsp;</p>Press ReleasesInternational Trade in Goods and ServicesNational Export InitiativeNEI NEXTInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerFri, 05 Dec 2014 19:22:47 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17287 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Announce Schedule for 25th Session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Tradehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/03/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-us-trade-representative-michael-
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman today announced the schedule of events for the 25<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which will take place from December 16-18, in Chicago. Secretary Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host a high-level Government of China delegation, and for the first time,&nbsp;the JCCT schedule includes a full day of events designed to facilitate private sector engagement with officials from the U.S. and Chinese governments. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will also participate. The goal of this enhanced program is to expand the scope of the JCCT with engagement between businesses from both countries.&nbsp;</p><div>The program will include a roundtable discussion on bilateral investment hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Paulson Institute; a luncheon to celebrate the Gateway Cities partnership hosted by World Business Chicago; a cooperative travel and tourism program hosted by the U.S. Travel Association; and a discussion on developing a shared vision of economic leadership hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs that will include remarks from Secretary Penny Pritzker, Ambassador Michael Froman, and Vice Premier Wang Yang.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Established in 1983, the JCCT is the primary forum for addressing bilateral trade and investment issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. High-level plenary meetings are held annually and are co-chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, and the Chinese Vice Premier in charge of trade and investment issues. Sixteen JCCT Working Groups meet throughout the year to address topics such as intellectual property rights, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, information technology, and travel and tourism.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Secretary Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Froman announced the following events:</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, December 17</strong><br /><br /></span></div><div>8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Cooperative Investment Program (Closed Press)</div><div>Organizers: U.S. Chamber of Commerce</div><div>Location: The Paulson Institute</div><div> U.S. Department of Commerce</div><div> Office of the U.S. Trade Representative&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Investment Luncheon Program (Open Press)</div><div>Hosted by: Mayor Rahm Emanuel</div><div>Organizer: World Business Chicago</div><div>Location: 300 E. Randolph Street, 30<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;Floor</div><div><strong>For Press Registration and Credentialing, please e-mail World Business Chicago at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/WTNations/worldbusinesschicago/com target="_blank">WTNations[at]worldbusinesschicago[dot]com</a></strong></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>12 noon – 5:00 p.m., Travel and Tourism Cooperative Program (Closed Press)<br />Organizers: U.S. Travel Association, U.S. Department of Commerce &amp; China National Tourism Association</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., U.S.-China: A Shared Vision of Economic Leadership</div><div>Hosted by: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs</div><div>Location: Palmer Hilton House</div><div>Keynote Remarks (Open Press)</div><div><strong>For Press Registration and Credentialing, please contact Betsy Hushek at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/bhushek/thechicagocouncil/org target="_blank">bhushek[at]thechicagocouncil[dot]org</a></strong></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., JCCT Reception and Dinner (Closed Press)</div><div>Hosted by: Mayor Rahm Emanuel</div><div>Organizers: World Business Chicago, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, U.S.-China Business Council, </div><div>U.S. Chamber of Commerce, China General Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce</div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br />Thursday, December 18</strong></span></div><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div>9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., JCCT Plenary Session (Closed Press)</div><div>Opening Remarks (Open Press)</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., JCCT Press Conference (Open Press)&nbsp;</div><div>Location: &nbsp;Gleacher Center</div><div> University of Chicago Booth School of Business</div><div> 450 N Cityfront Plaza Drive</div><div> Chicago, IL 60611</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Registration is required by 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 10. All press must be registered, confirmed, and credentialed for any open press events.&nbsp;Media that is not registered by the deadline will not be allowed.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>To register for the Investment Luncheon Program organized by World Business Chicago, please contact&nbsp;<a href=/contact/WTNations/worldbusinesschicago/com target="_blank">WTNations[at]worldbusinesschicago[dot]com</a>. To register for the U.S.-China: A Shared Vision of Economic Leadership hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, please contact<a href=/contact/bhushek/thechicagocouncil/org target="_blank">bhushek[at]thechicagocouncil[dot]org</a>. To register for all other JCCT events open to the press, please contact Lorri Crowley at&nbsp;<a href=/contact/lorri.crowley/trade/gov target="_blank">lorri.crowley[at]trade[dot]gov</a>.</div>Press ReleasesJCCTMayor Rahm EmanuelU.S. Trade Representative Michael FromanU.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and TradeInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerWed, 03 Dec 2014 17:22:56 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17278 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker Announces Launch of U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer Recruitment Processhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/12/02/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-announces-launch-us-foreign-comm
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Tuesday, December 2, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>New Commercial Service Officer Class to Support U.S. Economic Prosperity through Exports&nbsp;</em></p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced the opening of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/387566700" target="_blank">2014-2015 application process</a>&nbsp;for U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Officer (Commercial Service Officer) positions. This new class of officers will support the ongoing expansion of the Commercial Service’s global footprint. In April, Secretary Pritzker unveiled plans to open new Commercial Service offices in Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia, China, and Burma.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our Foreign Commercial Service Officers are a critical part of the Department’s efforts to expand U.S. exports and attract foreign investment to the United States,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Each day, these commercial diplomats help American businesses navigate and break into overseas markets, ultimately strengthening the U.S. economy and creating jobs here at home.”&nbsp;</p><p>Commercial Service Officers are dedicated to assisting U.S. companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to compete in the global economy. Applications will be accepted via USAJOBS from now through December 19. The application is the first step in a process that generally occurs only once every two years. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Successful applicants to this exciting international career opportunity will make up the next generation of commercial diplomats representing the U.S. government. In building this future cadre of leaders, the Department aims to recruit a highly qualified and diverse workforce that is reflective of the American people. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Our Commercial Service Officers help American businesses go global. They are essential to American competitiveness and prosperity in the 21<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;century. Commercial Service Officers have a direct positive impact on the lives of American workers and on the prospects for our businesses,” Pritzker added. “Officers serving overseas provide in-country leadership, bringing our export promotion programs to life.”&nbsp;</p><p>Officers advocate and intercede with foreign governments and trade organizations on behalf of the U.S. government and American companies, and develop and utilize an extensive network of host country contacts at the local, regional, and national levels.&nbsp;</p><p>For more information about the application process, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.trade.gov/jobs/world-of-opportunity.html" target="_blank">http://www.trade.gov/jobs/world-of-opportunity.html</a>.&nbsp;</p>Press ReleasesU.S. and Foreign Commercial ServiceInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerTue, 02 Dec 2014 20:07:42 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17272 at http://www.commerce.govDeclaracion de la Secretaria de Comercio de Los Estados Unidos Penny Pritzker en Torno a las Acciones Ejecutivas Sobre Inmigracion http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/21/declaraci%C3%B3n-de-la-secretaria-de-comercio-de-los-estados-unidos-penny-
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Friday,
November 21, 2014<br /><strong>News
Media Contact:</strong><br />Office
of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>La secretaria de comercio de los Estados
Unidos Penny Pritzker realizó hoy la siguiente declaración en torno a las
acciones ejecutivas sobre inmigración.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"La reforma de inmigración es una responsabilidad
moral y una oportunidad económica para nuestra nación. Durante mi mandato como
Secretaria, me he reunido con 1,300 ejecutivos
y líderes empresariales de todo el país, y cada uno de ellos apoya la reforma
migratoria. La realidad es que nuestro sistema de inmigración no funciona, y
según la Oficina Presupuestaria del Congreso, si el proyecto de ley del Senado
se convirtiera en ley, sería añadir 1.4 billón de dólares a nuestra economía.
El Presidente Obama presentó un plan, a través de una acción ejecutiva, para
hacer frente a este problema, ya que&nbsp;hemos estado esperando demasiado
tiempo para que el Congreso actúe, a pesar de que la mayoría de los
estadounidenses quieren la reforma. En última instancia, esta acción ejecutiva
es un paso significativo en la dirección correcta, pero el Congreso debe
aprobar una reforma migratoria integral y permanente.”</p>Press ReleasesComprehensive immigration reformSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerFri, 21 Nov 2014 16:29:14 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17244 at http://www.commerce.govStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on President Obama's Executive Actions on Immigrationhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/21/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-president-obamas-execu
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Friday, November 21, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny&nbsp; Pritzker today issued a statement on
President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Immigration reform is both a&nbsp;moral
responsibility and an economic opportunity for our nation. In my tenure as
Secretary, I have met with 1,300 CEOs and&nbsp;business leaders around the
country, and every one of them supports immigration reform. The fact is our
current immigration&nbsp;system is broken, and according to the Congressional Budget
Office, if the Senate bill became law,&nbsp;it would add $1.4 trillion to our
economy. President Obama has laid out an accountable
plan&nbsp;to address this broken system&nbsp;through an executive
action,&nbsp;as we have been waiting far too long&nbsp;for Congress to act even
though most&nbsp;Americans want reform. Ultimately,
this&nbsp;executive action is a significant step in the right direction, but
Congress should pass a permanent comprehensive reform package." &nbsp;</p>Press ReleasesComprehensive immigration reformImmigrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerFri, 21 Nov 2014 16:18:27 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17243 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Champions Global Innovators at 5th Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Moroccohttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/20/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-champions-global-innovators-5th-
<p><em>PAGE Members Announce New Initiatives to Spur Entrepreneurship Worldwide</em>&nbsp;</p><div>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker attended the <a href="http://www.gesmarrakech2014.org/en/home">Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)</a> this week in Marrakech, Morocco, which brought together more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, businesses, government and thought leaders. As the Administration’s point person on entrepreneurship, Secretary Pritzker helped lead a U.S. delegation to the Summit with Vice President Joe Biden, demonstrating the U.S. government’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of innovation around the world. Three members of the <a href="http://beta.commerce.gov/PAGE">Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship initiative</a> also joined Secretary Pritzker in Morocco – Daphne Koller, cofounder and president of Coursera, Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, and Alexa von Tobel, founder and CEO of LearnVest.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“Entrepreneurship is one of America’s greatest exports. The United States does not just respect and admire entrepreneurs – we celebrate them,” Secretary Pritzker said.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>For the first time, the Summit dedicated a day to the specific challenges and opportunities relevant to women entrepreneurs. Secretary Pritzker <a href="/news/secretary-speeches/2014/11/19/secretary-pritzker-honors-women-entrepreneurs-marrakesh-morocco">keynoted Women’s Entrepreneurship Day</a>, urging approximately 300 women entrepreneurs to mentor and advise their peers, share best practices with one another, and inspire the next generation of innovators in their home communities and countries. She outlined the key ingredients needed to encourage more women and more young people to turn their ideas and inventions into thriving businesses.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>“When women entrepreneurs take risks and succeed, societies change for the better. Expectations change, not only for other women, but for men and children, too. It becomes easier to accept the idea of a woman as a family’s breadwinner, the head of a household, a community leader, or a head of state,” Secretary Pritzker said.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Among her many activities at the Summit,&nbsp;Secretary Pritzker met with seven female finalists for the Tech-I pitch competition hosted by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative. Led by the U.S. State Department, GIST seeks to strengthen economies by empowering young innovators around the world, and has helped young scientists from throughout the Muslim world generate more than $80 million in revenue for their companies.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Secretary Pritzker also held roundtables with about 40 young entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as women entrepreneurs from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to discuss how they can overcome obstacles to success. Moreover, she met with three officials&nbsp;from the Iraqi Ministry of Science and Technology to discuss the technical assistance they are receiving from the <a href="http://cldp.doc.gov/">Commerce Department’s Commercial Law Development Program</a>. They discussed issues related to technology commercialization, intellectual property, and the government’s support of innovation and entrepreneurship.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Secretary Pritzker also toured the Innovation Village,&nbsp;a meeting place and a showcase for young Moroccan and African entrepreneurs. She learned more about startups and global organizations that support entrepreneurs from the MENA region.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Building on a year of successful engagements with entrepreneurs across four continents, in locations including Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Poland, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and Ghana, Secretary Pritzker announced plans to expand the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) initiative. The first 11 members of PAGE were announced in April and have been actively promoting innovation across the United States and the world. PAGE member Steve Case led a “Rise of the Rest” road tour this spring, making stops in nine different cities and investing nearly $1 million in startups across the country.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>In addition, three PAGE members joined Secretary Pritzker at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to continue their role as entrepreneurship ambassadors and two members discussed some of their newest entrepreneurship initiatives:</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coursera Co-Founder and CEO Daphne Koller has developed new online education tools for entrepreneurs. The Coursera Specialization in Entrepreneurship will focus on training entrepreneurs on how to develop a business model, discover customer insights, enhance sales and marketing techniques, and pitch their venture.&nbsp; The entrepreneurship curriculum allows for students to generate an innovative new venture concept or enhance their existing concepts. At the end of the course, students will create an investor pitch. Through a competitive process, leading concepts will be evaluated for funding by experts and investors.&nbsp; The Specialization on Entrepreneurship was created in partnership with University of Maryland, College Park.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PAGE member Hamdi Ulukaya announced his company Chobani's plan to open the Chobani Food Incubator, a first-of-its-kind program to invest in and cultivate emerging food entrepreneurs. Chobani Food Incubator will invest in, support, and scale young and growing companies. Inspired by Chobani's mission to create better food for more people, the Chobani Food Incubator will give food entrepreneurs the resources, workspace and support to launch and disrupt their ideas and companies.</div>Press ReleasesGlobal Entrepreneurship SummitGlobal Innovation through Science and TechnologyMENAPAGEPresidential Ambassadors for Global EntrepreneurshipVice President Joe BidenWomen’s Entrepreneurship DayInternational Trade AdministrationSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerThu, 20 Nov 2014 22:30:17 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17238 at http://www.commerce.govU.S.Department of Commerce Releases New Web Tool to Help U.S. Companies Comply with Export Lawshttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/20/usdepartment-commerce-releases-new-web-tool-help-us-companies-comply-
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Thursday, November 20, 2014<br /><strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>New Consolidated Screening List Format Supports Private Sector Innovation and Strengthens National Security</em></p><p>The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the creation of a new web search tool to help U.S. companies easily search the federal government’s Consolidated Screening List (CSL). The CSL is a streamlined collection of nine different “screening lists” from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and the Treasury that contains names of individuals and companies with whom a U.S. company may not be allowed to do business due to U.S. export regulations, sanctions, or other restrictions.&nbsp;</p><p>The CSL is also now available through the Trade Developers Portal&nbsp;<a href="http://developer.trade.gov/consolidated-screening-list.html" target="_blank">Application Programming Interface</a>&nbsp;(API) in an open, machine-readable format. By making the CSL available as an API, developers and designers can create new tools, websites or mobile apps to access the list and display the results, supporting private sector innovation to help disseminate this critical information in ways most helpful to business users.</p><p>“One of our key priorities at the Commerce Department is to unleash more of our data to help businesses make better decisions, innovate and become more globally competitive, ”&nbsp;said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “Through collaboration with other federal agencies, we have made crucial information available to businesses and entrepreneurs in a free and easy-to-use format.&nbsp;The consolidation of screening lists also helps businesses ensure they are not working with bad foreign actors, thereby strengthening U.S. national security.”&nbsp;</p><p>It is extremely important for U.S. businesses to consult the CSL before doing business with a foreign entity to ensure it is not flagged on any of the agency lists. The U.S. agencies that maintain these lists have targeted the entities for various national security and foreign policy reasons, including illegally exporting arms, violating U.S. sanctions, and trafficking narcotics.</p><p>If a company or individual appears on the list, U.S. firms must do further research into the individual or company in accordance with the administering agency’s rules before doing business with them.</p><p>The CSL search tool and API are also deliverables under President Obama’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.export.gov/ecr" target="_blank">Export Control Reform initiative</a>, which is strengthening the national security and the competitiveness of key U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors by focusing on current threats, as well as adapting to the changing economic and technological landscape.</p><p>During the process of creating the API, the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration and Bureau of Industry and Security worked with the Departments of the Treasury and State to form an authoritative, up to date, and easily searchable list with over 8,000 company and individual names&nbsp;and their aliases. These improvements provide options to the downloadable CSL files currently available on&nbsp;<a href="http://export.gov/ecr" target="_blank">export.gov/ecr</a>.</p><p>In addition to the simple search tool, the CSL API is now available to developers through ITA’s&nbsp;<a href="http://developer.trade.gov/" target="_blank">Developer Portal</a>. For more information about the search tool, API or CSL, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://developer.trade.gov/consolidated-screening-list.html" target="_blank">http://developer.trade.gov/consolidated-screening-list.html</a>.&nbsp;</p>Press ReleasesAPIApplication Programming InterfaceConsolidated Screening ListExport Control Reform initiativeSecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerThu, 20 Nov 2014 15:15:44 +0000kcpullen@doc.gov17230 at http://www.commerce.govU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker Opens Registration For 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summithttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/18/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-opens-registration-2015-selectus
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Tuesday, November 18, 2014<br />
<strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p><p><em>Summit Offers
Global Investors Information on How to Grow Their Businesses in Communities
Nationwide</em></p><p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced today
that registration is now open for the <a href="http://www.selectusasummit.com">2015
SelectUSA Investment Summit</a>, to be held March 23-24, in the Washington,
D.C. area.&nbsp; The Summit will showcase investment opportunities from every
corner of the United States to investors from around the world, while
high-profile business and government leaders share their insights on the latest
business trends.&nbsp; </p>
<p>“International investors have recognized that now is a great
time to establish or expand operations in the United States,” said Secretary
Pritzker. “Our nation is incredibly diverse, with the most attractive consumer
market, a thriving culture of innovation, and a very talented workforce.&nbsp;
Companies of all sizes – from start-ups to multinationals – recognize that
America is open for their business and investment. The SelectUSA Investment
Summit will feature the tools, information and connections companies need to
move investments forward.” </p>
<p>The 2015 Summit will build on the momentum generated by the
U.S. economic recovery, as well as the sold-out success of the first SelectUSA
Investment Summit.&nbsp; Held in late 2013, more than 1,300 participants came
from 60 countries, 48 U.S. states, 4 territories, and the District of Columbia.
Earlier this year, the United States again took the top spot in A.T. Kearney’s <a href="http://www.atkearney.com/research-studies/foreign-direct-investment-confidence-index/full-report/">2014
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index</a>:&nbsp; international
executives gave the United States the highest net positive rating in the
16-year history of the index, and the report highlighted the creation of
SelectUSA. This August, the Department of Commerce released data showing that
the United States attracted $231 billion in FDI in
2013, up from $161 billion in 2012.&nbsp; The reshoring of U.S. manufacturing
is also picking up speed; a few weeks ago, <a href="http://www.bcg.com/media/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?id=tcm:12-174453">the
Boston Consulting Group</a> revealed that more than
54 percent of the U.S. manufacturing executives they surveyed are interested in
reshoring operations.</p>
<p>“We were thrilled by the overwhelming demand expressed by
investors and U.S. economic developers in 2013, so we’re making the 2015 Summit
even bigger and better,” said Vinai Thummalapally, Executive Director of
SelectUSA. “We’re nearly doubling the size and launching enhanced online
matchmaking. The agenda is packed with practical information, including
sessions highlighting opportunities in rural America and novel approaches to
infrastructure investment, as well as a pre-Summit SelectUSA Academy for first-time
investors.”</p>
<p>To accommodate the expanded event, the Summit will be held
at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.&nbsp;
Participants will include international and domestic companies of all sizes
seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States, as well as U.S.
state, regional, and local economic development organizations; business
associations; service providers; and other organizations that facilitate
business investment.&nbsp; Media are welcome to register.&nbsp; All attendees
must register in advance, and registration may fill up quickly.</p>
<p>In addition to an agenda featuring
high-profile CEOs, government leaders, and other experts, the Summit will
include a trade show where U.S. economic development organizations can host
individual or joint booths, display the advantages of their locations, and
connect directly with investors. Interested parties can visit <a href="http://www.selectusasummit.com">www.selectusasummit.com</a> for more information. </p>
<p><a href="http://selectusa.commerce.gov/#_blank"><strong>About
SelectUSA</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce,
SelectUSA promotes and facilitates business investment into the United States
by coordinating related federal government agencies to serve as a single point
of contact for investors. SelectUSA assists U.S. economic development
organizations to compete globally for investment by providing information, a
platform for international marketing, and high-level advocacy. SelectUSA also
helps investors find the information they need to make decisions; connect to
the right people at the local level; navigate the federal regulatory system;
and find solutions to issues related to the federal government.&nbsp; More
information at <a href="http://www.selectusa.gov">www.selectusa.gov</a>.</p>Press ReleasesSelectUSASelectUSA 2015 Investment SummitInternational Trade AdministrationTue, 18 Nov 2014 19:45:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17215 at http://www.commerce.govStatement of U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollmenthttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2014/11/15/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-affordable-care-act-op
<p class="press-release-header"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />Saturday, November 15, 2014<br />
<strong>News Media Contact:</strong><br />Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883</p>
<p>"As the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period begins today, I encourage you to sign up for an affordable plan that fits your health and financial needs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">www.HealthCare.gov</a>.</p><p>"Among many of its benefits, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates that the Affordable Care Act will help stem “job lock” and enable 1.5 million more people to become self-employed -- thereby helping would be entrepreneurs unleash their creative capacity for our economy. For example, the ACA has allowed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/11/13/letters-president-dicksons-and-affordable-care-act" target="_blank">people like Linda and Ross Dickson</a>&nbsp;get affordable healthcare, become entrepreneurs, and open a small retail business in Georgetown, Texas. Today, they celebrate the recent one-year anniversary of their small business and have signed a long-term lease.</p><p>"To sign up or to learn what financial assistance is available, you can also call&nbsp;<a href="tel:1-800-318-2596" target="_blank">1-800-318-2596</a>&nbsp;to contact the person in your community who can help you with finding the plan that best meets your needs.&nbsp; Encouraging more Americans to enroll is important as we address our nation’s healthcare needs and stabilize costs."</p>Press ReleasesHealth benefitsHealth CareHealthCare.govOffice of the SecretarySecretary of Commerce Penny PritzkerSat, 15 Nov 2014 14:30:00 +0000mkruger@doc.gov17204 at http://www.commerce.gov